Add Giannis Antetokounmpo to the list of big stars dealing with injuries in the NBA Playoffs. Giannis has been officially ruled out for the Milwaukee Bucks Game 2 matchup with the Miami Heat. The Bucks star took a hard fall on his back in Game 1. The fall resulted in Giannis leaving the contest early. However, Giannis tried to return on several occasions. But the pain just became too much for him to manage on the floor. Now the Bucks will need to fight with everything they have to even the series.
However, the Miami Heat are also dealing with the injury bug. Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand in Game One. Resulting in the Heat star being unavailable for the team throughout the playoffs. Unless the Heat were to make it to the NBA Finals. Giannis is just the latest star to be ruled out due to injury. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently playing without star point guard Ja Morant. Morant suffered a hand injury in Game One against the Lakers, resulting in his absence tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Must Return For Bucks Success
After Giannis was unable to return in Game One, the Heat took over and never looked back. The Bucks didn't look like a team that would even be considered a one-seed in either conference. However, the team has more than likely been preparing for the absence of Giannis. Look for Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to lead the Milwaukee offense on Wednesday night. Giannis' future beyond Wednesday's game has yet to be announced. However, the Bucks may need to begin planning for a longer absence from the former MVP.
Without Giannis, the Bucks could be the second one-seed to ever lose a series to an eight-seed. The only time it has happened in NBA history was back in 2007. The Golden State Warriors took down the Dallas Mavericks. A series that Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki recently discussed. However, the Bucks will not be trying to be a part of history. Can the Milwaukee Bucks advance without Giannis Antetokounmpo? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.